The UN Biodiversity Conference started today in Cancun, Mexico. Over the next two weeks, more than 190 countries will discuss how to halt the loss of species and natural resources in our planet which are essential for our well-being and to ensure that future generations can prosper.

Participants at the Conference tend to discuss very specific topics and processes, some of which can be complex for non-scientists and policymakers. So here’s your handy guide to some basic biodiversity terms:

CBD

Literally means: Convention on Biological Diversity

What it refers to: The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community’s growing commitment to sustainable development and the recognition that biological diversity is a global asset, but is also threatened by human activity. It entered into force in 1993.

 

COP 13 

Literally means: Conference of the Parties 13

What it refers to: This is the 13th time that countries who are members of the Convention on Biological Diversity are meeting. These meetings occur every two years. The previous one was in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea.

The Aichi Targets

The Aichi Targets are a set of 20 short-term (10 year) goals that aim to protect biodiversity. They are named after the Japanese prefecture in which they were adopted in 2010. The targets have a deadline of 2020.

They are divided into five sections:

  1. Address the causes of biodiversity loss
  2. Reduce the direct pressure on biodiversity and promote sustainable use
  3. Safeguard ecosystems, species and genetic diversity
  4. Biodiversity benefits to all
  5. Participatory planning, capacity building

Cartagena Protocol

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by living modified organisms (see below) resulting from modern biotechnology. The Protocol, named after the Colombian city where the final round of its negotiations was launched, was adopted in January 2000 and entered into force in September 2003.

LMOs (Living Modified Organisms)

LMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using engineering techniques. These could include microorganisms such as bacteria, insects, plants, fish and mammals. LMOs are the source of genetically modified foods and they are also used in scientific research.

The Nagoya Protocol

The Nagoya Protocol is a legal agreement that provides legal framework to the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Protocol, named after the Japanese city where it was agreed in 2010, establishes clear rules for accessing, trading, sharing and monitoring the use of the world’s genetic resources that can be used for pharmaceutical, agricultural and cosmetic purposes.

COP-MOP 8

COP-MOP refers to the Conference of the Parties which serves as the Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol. Since the Cartagena Protocol entered into force in 2003, this is the eighth time that Parties are meeting.

COP-MOP 2

COP-MOP refers to the Conference of the Parties which serves as the Meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol. Since the Nagoya Protocol entered into force in 2010, this is only the second meeting of its Parties.

Cancun Declaration

More than 190 countries adopted the Cancun Declaration on 3 December during the High-Level Segment of COP13 (yes, that was just yesterday). In the Declaration ministers pledged to step up efforts to integrate biodiversity into the policies of their forests, fisheries, tourism and agriculture sectors. The Declaration represents an unprecedented recognition from the international community that biodiversity protection must involve different governmental and economic sectors and not just environment ministries.